Indiana coach Kevin Wilson's interview Thursday on WNDE-1260 in Indianapolis got off to a bad start. Then it got ugly.
Wilson, who has yet to coach his first game in Bloomington, appeared on the Zakk and Jack Show, hosted by Dominic Zaccagnini and former Illinois and Indianapolis Colt quarterback Jack Trudeau. Listen to the interview by clicking here.
Trudeau clowned before introducing Wilson, saying he didn't hear the Indiana fight song much when he played at Illinois because, "I don't remember them even scoring on us."
That set Wilson off.
"I remember putting 61 up on the Illini a few years back when I was at Northwestern and they kind of stunk it up, too. But anyway, I've got some things to do guys, what do you guys need?" he asked.
Trudeau jumped in and said he didn't care for Wilson's attitude and that his comment about the fight song was merely a joke.
Wilson didn't back down.
"I just don't like being on here with guys cracking jokes about our program," he said. "I'm not an Indiana alum but I take a little pride in what we do.''
Trudeau challenged Wilson again, saying was disappointed in the coach's attitude.
"We do have a radio show and we do have to entertain," Trudeau said. "And if you don't understand that, then I'm a little disappointed."
Moments later, Zaccagnini jumped in and the interview was ended.
After the show, Zaccagnini and Trudeau continued the rant in a YouTube video posted by the station. Zaccagnini said he'll be cheering for Ball State when it plays the Hoosiers on Sept. 3 in Indianapolis' Luca Oil Stadium.
Thanks to Randy.
Sports Talk radio hosts are rarely the most intellectual men. Mr. Wilson should have expected that these towers of tact would bust on IU footballs lack of success. Coach Wilson now has the perfect "bulletin board" material for his tem and demonstrated a bulldog attitude that should inspire his team.
Posted by: Brian | August 12, 2011 at 06:08 AM
Wow, I understand that you guys have a radio show to do but this makes me want to cheer for IU football. It's nice to see a guy(coach) stand up for his guys and the university and speak the truth. And then you guys hang up on him and act like you're all bad...very interesting. Hope nobody cracks jokes at or about your family/loved ones/friends and then tells you to chill out and that they don't like your attitude. What makes media people think that the only way to be known is to disrespect everything that someone else stands for? Think about it. With all due respect to you guys and your profession but I'm a little disappointed.
Posted by: Dan Ahrens | August 12, 2011 at 09:11 AM
Weak sauce from Zakk and Jack. I'm now an IU and Kevin Wilson fan. Z & J should have apologized and continued with the interview. "Sorry coach, I think you misunderstood our intentions. We understand where you're coming from. What do you see as the biggest challenges this year for your team?"
Posted by: Bear | August 12, 2011 at 10:22 AM